Do you believe our current political polarization is spiritual?

[Idaho45guy]

I'm no Bible scholar in any shape or form, but the massive political divide in our country seems to be the result of some sort of supernatural "hardening of hearts".

Every interaction I've had with people on the left has shown them to be completely incapable of rational thought or common sense. No matter what facts, science, or evidence you thoughtfully confront them with, they ignore it. My own daughter, who is the niece of a police detective and the granddaughter of a Chief of Police, both honorable and righteous men, has stated on social media that ALL cops are bad.

How can a young woman, who grew up in a law enforcement family, with conservative Christian parents, suddenly reject her upbringing and own personal experiences and instead embrace the insidious lies of the left?

I am truly at a loss to explain how so many people appear to be completely brainwashed in such a short amount of time.

I truly believe we are in a struggle against evil and the massive polarization in this country is supernatural in origin.

[wch]

Only if you believe that infant murder is a matter of legality and not of morality.

[sharps4590]

I don't know Idaho. The line does seem to be quite distinct, however.

[M-Tecs]

For the left government control/ leftist policies are their religion. They have blind faith and obedience to their view of collectivism.

[Ickisrulz]

I think it is quite natural for a young person to reject their parent's views on things, at least for a short while, to assert their independence. Then they seem to settle back into how they were brought up and emulate their parents at least somewhat once they get a little older.

As far as not being able to talk to someone about political views (or religion) and get rational, honest answers or have a thoughtful discussion, that depends on a person's maturity level (and I don't mean age) and ability to look at and analyze things without becoming emotional. Some people are so stunted that they stopped questioning, reflecting or learning early in their life. Then there are the people that are just dishonest--what can be done with them?

I don't think much of this has to do with spirituality.

[smithnframe]

Only if you believe that infant murder is a matter of legality and not of morality.

I'm a Conservative but I believe in abortion!

[Idaho45guy]

I think it is quite natural for a young person to reject their parent's views on things, at least for a short while, to assert their independence. Then they seem to settle back into how they were brought up and emulate their parents at least somewhat once they get a little older.

As far as not being able to talk to someone about political views (or religion) and get rational, honest answers or have a thoughtful discussion, that depends on a person's maturity level (and I don't mean age) and ability to look at and analyze things without becoming emotional. Some people are so stunted that they stopped questioning, reflecting or learning early in their life. Then there are the people that are just dishonest--what can be done with them?

I don't think much of this has to do with spirituality.

I would have agreed with you 10 years ago, but this recent phenomenon is so stark, so pervasive, and so radical that it seems to go way beyond the normal youthful rebellion.

I was just on Facebook and got sucked into a debate about a local town voting to extend the requirement to wear masks. My daughter commented on it and wanted the people that showed up to the city council meeting to protest the mask requirement jailed. There were dozens of commentators on the subject, most in their 30's and 40's, and older. There were people on both sides of the debate from all age groups. The pro-mask people were quick to launch personal attacks and say ridiculous things. The anti-mask people pointed out the science-based facts and evidence regarding masks and none of their points were acknowledged or addressed. Just hate-filled rhetoric from the leftists.

When you have millions of people across the nation reject facts and evidence and respond with hate and violence, this speaks to something far more sinister at work than mere youthful rebellion.

[.429&H110]

There is nothing new under the sun.

I believe what we are seeing is the Progressives winning their innings and they own the umpire. When we get our turn at bat, we aren't allowed bats. Certainly, no Sword of the Spirit. The winner writes the history, and we are getting ours written for us.
What to do?
As a clue, we shut down the churches
but the liquor stores were essential.
Walmart is essential, but Denny's is not.
I am amazed that a man can get to 80,
and never learn to cook or clean.
We can't visit the old folks in the care homes
so they are left to die of loneliness.
Library might stay closed forever.
Gasoline keeps coming, but not coins.
What to do?
Vote, last chance!
California is 3 to 1 blue/red
Their voter turnout is 30%
If, and I say, IF
every Republican in California turned out
California would be Red.
This election will be 50/50
the dead voters will decide it.
Or you will.

[ioon44]

Yes I agree with your statement, "I truly believe we are in a struggle against evil and the massive polarization in this country is supernatural in origin."

Everyone is faced with the choice, do I serve Jesus Christ or serve the Anti- Christ. Choose this day who you will serve.

I urge every one to Repent, Pray and Vote for President Trump to be reelected, looks like this one is for all the marbles.

[bakerjw]

The divide is so great now that I can only see a cataclysmic event bringing the 2 sides together. Whatever event it might be would certainly result in massive death and agony for all of the country. Only when people are pushed beyond their limits will some turn to god. The rest will lash out in tantrums and follow evil ways to survive.

God versus satan? Perhaps. I think that it more about how your conscience has formed.
I'm an agnostic and only seek a greater understanding.

[PNW_Steve]

Well said.

I have made similar observations and don't have any answer other than: You may be right.

I have also questioned if this could could be the first signs of the Tribulation?

Something to contemplate on my drive to Lewiston this morning.

[dverna]

God works at His pace and on His schedule. What is happening to the USA is tragic, but likely not that important to God. It is important to us, as we tend focus on what effects us and not the bigger picture. We are self-centered and flawed.

I do not believe Gold speaks of "freedom" as we define it. He has given us the ultimate choice...to chose Him and to chose salvation...but even a slave can make that choice.

As to a grand catastrophe to unite us, God did not intercede against the rise of Hitler and the death of 20 million until He was ready. Were the deaths "necessary" to achieve His goal(s)? or the result of man's evil?

The USA is not mentioned in the Bible in any manner I am aware of. As a nation, we are of no more consequence to Him than Japan, China, Russia or Luxemburg. The countries of the Bible are all "Old World" countries.

Evil has flourished with mankind since Genesis, and will not be eradicated until His return. God either cannot, or will not, control evil until He decides it is time. None of us can understand the why of it. But He has given us direction as to how to deal with evil if we chose to.

In our little pea brains we require contrast. We cannot know if God needs that contrast but I suspect He does...or evil would not be needed. We need darkness to understand light, sound to understand silence, love to understand hate, sadness to understand joy, pain to understand joy.

[Scott.M]

They ONLY thing that has pushed me from Christian beliefs, is Christians. Exemplified by the deletion of posts in this section. God forbid that I don't march lock step with the 'real' christians.

[trebleplink]

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”

- Mark Twain.

[farmbif]

I don't think its spiritual, what did Jesus teach? I'm no expert but from what I've been able to learn is he taught tolerance, righteousness, lifting up the downtrodden, healing, having faith in his father the lord of all.
I think this great divide we have has a lot to do with money and power, half the country seems to have lots of disposable income, good jobs, security and the other half of the country has to work three jobs to make ends meet, or cannot find good employment, don't have decent housing or are too uneducated or too lazy and want or need some sort of assistance.

[Scott.M]

I don't think its spiritual, what did Jesus teach? I'm no expert but from what I've been able to learn is he taught tolerance, righteousness, lifting up the downtrodden, healing, having faith in his father the lord of all.
I think this great divide we have has a lot to do with money and power, half the country seems to have lots of disposable income, good jobs, security and the other half of the country has to work three jobs to make ends meet, or cannot find good employment, don't have decent housing or are too uneducated or too lazy and want or need some sort of assistance.



So you're a fan of socialism?

[fixit]

I am inclined to believe that all of life has a spiritual element. Having said that, this whole riot, anti-fascism and blm thing has a profoundly and well concealed spiritual aspect to it. The leadership, and many of the people in the movement practice a Yoruban religion called Ifa'. This African tribal practice is the basis for all voodooistic religions of the world. We are in the midst of some serious spiritual warfare, and unfortunately most Christians are not even aware of it. If there was ever a time to be praying, it is now.

[farmbif]

im not a fan of socialism, but that's the way I see the country, home sales are going crazy right now and at the same there are a whole bunch of people who had good jobs 8 months ago are now in food lines.
we are a country of haves and have nots and I think could be one reason why the country is so divided. Wealth has been consolidated and the rich are richer than ever before and there are an awful lot of people with very little to nothing.

[dtknowles]

........I truly believe we are in a struggle against evil and the massive polarization in this country is supernatural in origin.

What supernatural force do you blame? I think more mundane evil is at work. The United Neoliberal/Neoconservative Plutocratic Oligarchic Elites have been working to divide us for decades. The people in power have been working to consolidate their base and eliminate moderate voices. If you can understand both sides of the argument and will listen to both sides you have been attacked and forced to pick a side. Neither side is right about everything so once you pick a side you have to accept some lies.

Tim

[Hick]

While the media get bashed a lot-- there is truth in blaming the media. 50 years ago, people with extreme views tended to get shut down by those in their community that were more rational. The reason was that people with extreme views were in a minority and had no support. Today, Thanks to the internet and media, anyone with an extreme view can find someone who will say that they are thinking and tell them they are right. This reinforces those extreme views and creates the split in society. This is something religion has not been able to address-- and I'm not sure how it can in today's environment. As an added problem, many of the far left young people from the 60's. who did not go into business jobs, ended up in education and became tenured professors. We have seen this with our grandchildren. They start out conservative, go off to college and take required classes in things like political science and swing way left-- then as they age and have to start paying the bills some, but not all, go conservative again.

[Idaho45guy]

Neither of my kids went to college and both have swung very far left. It isn't just the education system that is brainwashing kids, and isn't just the constant exposure to leftist ideals that is turning people left, either. I watch a ton of shows on Netflix and Amazon that have very leftist propaganda in them. I can sniff out the propaganda immediately while my conservative girlfriend won't notice it. But I'm not turning leftist.

[Idaho45guy]

50 years ago, people with extreme views tended to get shut down by those in their community that were more rational. The reason was that people with extreme views were in a minority and had no support. Today, Thanks to the internet and media, anyone with an extreme view can find someone who will say that they are thinking and tell them they are right. This reinforces those extreme views and creates the split in society. This is something religion has not been able to address-- and I'm not sure how it can in today's environment.
This brings up an interesting question/observation...

It is the left that has gotten extreme.

People say we are increasingly polarized and both sides are more extreme, but I only see the left as getting more extreme.

50 years ago, how many Republicans do you think would have supported civil rights for LGBTQ folks? I would imagine single-digits, if any. It wasn't even a question to ask 50 years ago. Today, 71 percent of REPUBLICANS support it.

So, it seems that while the Right has actually been getting less extreme and is now about the same as the Left was 50 years ago, the Left has become so incredibly extreme that they are openly calling for socialism and Marxism in America.

[GhostHawk]

Read Johnathan Cahn the Harbinger.

I believe that because so many in this country have turned away from GOD and all he believes in. He has in turned removed the blessings originally placed on this country.

This started in 9, 11, 2001 btw.

The answer is simple. The people of this land must fall on their knees and truly repent. They must make getting to the next world their prime focus. And that is simple, Only through Jesus the Christ.

They must accept him, reject their old life, be prepared to SERVE. Work at the will of the master.

As that happens the blessings can be restored. And this country, refurbished, can once again be a great light on a hill to the world.

But we can not get there until the majority repent and turn away from this life.

So, be prepared for trials, they will be many, the Lord can show you the way through. The way will be long and hard.

Rejoice in the Lord, keep your faith, teach your family. Praise the Lord for all the blessings in your life.

[ioon44]

Read Johnathan Cahn the Harbinger. There is a Harbinger 2 and a Harbinger 2 uncensored DVD it gives a lot more info than the Harbinger 1.

[Hick]

This brings up an interesting question/observation...

It is the left that has gotten extreme.

.

Interesting point

[exile]

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

[.429&H110]

I have lots of opinions.
When I need Truth I get
out the owner's manual:

2 Chronicles 7

12And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. 13If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; 14If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.

Amen.

America made a covenant with God.
We were founded to be free.
Free to burn cities? No!
If it feels good, do it? No!
Free to serve God anyway we choose.
Choose well.

[1hole]

This election will be 50/50
the dead voters will decide it.
Or you will.

Dems have a solid block of mind-numbed, knuckle dragging people (about 35% of our public) who know nothing but what they hear on fake news TV day by day and reliably vote accordingly. Then, in my 80 years of observation, Democrats have a near total lock on dead, illegal, made-up and multiple opportunity voters. Even with that dependable built-in edge, there's a limit to what cheating can accomplish so they don't always win.

I do pray that our people will get out and vote at the polls.

[dtknowles]

Politics does not belong here.

Tim

[Idaho45guy]

politics
[ˈpäləˌtiks]
NOUN
the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.

[Txcowboy52]

It’s a very sad state we find ourselves in, I to have a daughter with very similar beliefs from the same back ground you described. I’m at a loss , I blame it on liberal professors . I always felt there had to be more to it , I think you have shed some light on what I’ve been thinking. Thank you for your insight.

[.429&H110]

George Washington consecrating America was not political. It was what our first President believed and put his neck on the gallows for: No King, no pope, certain inalienable rights. The Brits would have cheerfully hung him. America was born in sin, whiskey tax, slavery, and all those natives shooting back. We have learned somewhat since. But we have forgotten what freedom is. We have forgotten the covenant and the owner's manual.

I highly recommend
"The Coming Fury" by Bruce Catton
written 100 years after the Civil War
details how the Democrats started
a war that killed a million people.
With muskets.

[M-Tecs]

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/05/leftwing_ideology_a_cult_a_religion_or_science.htm l

Left-Wing Ideology: A Cult, a Religion, or Science?
By Gary Gindler
More than a hundred years ago, prominent Marxist Antonio Gramsci wrote: "Socialism is precisely the religion that must overwhelm Christianity. [Socialism is] religion in the sense that it too is a faith with its mystics and rituals; religion because it has substituted for the consciousness of the transcendental God of the Catholics, the faith in man and in his great strengths as a unique spiritual reality" [1]. Equalizing an ideology with religion was pretty novel back then. However, Gramsci was talking about religion not as it is commonly understood — i.e., the relationship between God and men — but as a collection of religious attributes and rituals. In his point of view, socialism was godless religion, the cult of the messianic Marx.

At the same time, Gramsci understood that socialism (and leftism in general), like any other dogma, is immune to empirical, rational challenges because, by definition, its postulates are untestable — untestable not because it is impossible to conduct such tests, but because followers of leftist ideology reject any idea of such a test in principle. (By the way, this is something leftists have in common with Muslims.) They are mostly true believers; they aggressively reject any attempts to test the foundations of their dogmatic beliefs.

Leftists' behavior is utterly illogical to a degree one might call unscientific. Their irrationality is based on illusory knowledge — i.e., knowledge acquired through a system of beliefs, expressed by well known authorities (Marx, Engels, Lenin, Bernstein, Stalin, Hitler, Trotsky, Mao, and many others). Left-wingers acquired their false, Utopian beliefs throughout the entire history of human civilization. Their undisputed belief of multiplying wealth by dividing it (i.e., by redistributing it by force) was the basis of numerous failed social experiments.

To avoid any confusion, let us provide adequate definitions of socialism (promoted by left-wing ideology) and its antithesis, capitalism (promoted by the free-market, or conservative, ideology).

Socialism is a state of society where most wealth, either de jure or de facto, belongs to a government.

Capitalism is a state of society where most wealth, both de jure and de facto, belongs to its citizens.

Communism is a Utopian state of society where all wealth, both de jure and de facto, belongs to a government.

The adherents of both left-wing and right-wing philosophy have knowledge; however, the left-wingers got their knowledge from the system of beliefs, while right-wingers got their knowledge from the trial-and-error development of human civilization. Leftism will accompany society forever because pseudo-science always runs in parallel to science. As in a social life where leftism is the ideology of mostly lumpen (lazy bums), autocrats, and elites, the pseudo-science feeds on real science as left-wingers feed on civilization built mostly by right-wingers.

There is a simple test to distinguish between scientific knowledge and the pseudo-scientific kind. The test is based on the fact that the human reaction to new information that contradicts the original knowledge depends on the method of acquiring that original knowledge.

In the real world, if new information contradicts the original knowledge, it leads to a re-evaluation of such knowledge. For example, when intuitive, widely accepted, and wrong knowledge that the sun rotates around the Earth was challenged by Copernicus, it led to a painful re-evaluation of the original idea and accepting the new, revolutionary one: that it is, in fact, Earth that rotates around the sun.

However, if the original knowledge is acquired by religious or other dogmatic beliefs, the new information does not lead to such re-evaluation. On the contrary, in most cases, it leads to the strengthening of the original belief. For example, even if it were proven that flying horses never existed on the planet Earth, Muslims will continue to believe that Mohammad flew on a horse named Buraq to an outer space where he met Allah. Moreover, any attempt to prove to any Muslim that such a voyage on a horse is impossible will not just strengthen Muslim's beliefs, but could convert some of them from a passive, indifferent follower into an aggressive religious fanatic. The reaction would be similar to the reaction of a rank-and-file Democrat if somebody mentioned that Antifa, like the Ku Klux Klan before it, was founded as a militant wing of the Democratic Party.

When President Trump tweets or says something "controversial," a lot of his political opponents get triggered. This "triggering of snowflakes" is a perfect example of how the strengthening of the original belief manifests itself in real life. There are numerous examples of such triggering. If we are talking about Trump, it is called Trump Derangement Syndrome.

Let us recall the reaction of people who were bombarded for months by the fake news media with reports that Hillary Clinton had a 97% chance of winning the presidency in the year 2016. The reality contradicted their dogma, and after she lost, their suffering (sometimes even physical suffering) was quite real. Or big disappointment and suffering among devotees of "Trump is Putin's marionette" dogma when Mueller's investigation proved otherwise. The attempts to paint the completed Mueller investigation as "obstructed," "not conclusive," and "not having enough authority," and the promise that "veterans of the secret wars ... understand that it will take decades, not years, for the truth to emerge here," are just variations of the same phenomena — the various (and desperate) attempts to strengthen the original dogmatic belief.

If the knowledge of people in the examples above were based not on dogma, their reaction could be quite different. For example, political opponents of Trump could just say: "OK, the better candidate won. It is good for America to have a better president. We will try again next time." That would be the proper reaction of the non-brainwashed, normal people who happened to vote for another candidate. In the case of Russiagate (or, rather, Obamagate), the proper reaction could be: "OK, this is very good that our president is not Putin's puppet. It will allow the White House to focus on the real issues of our country."

It is often said that left-wingers and right-wingers do not understand each other because they "live in parallel universes," or one side blames another for living in the so-called "alternative reality." Since core leftist belief is irrational, the right-wingers are not surprised when adherents of leftism stiffen their resolve when confronted with social and economic truth.

In other words, instead of accepting a valid argument that contradicts the prevailing dogma, the very first reaction of adherents of a dogma is to protect the dogma at all cost.

Try to tell Jews that they are not the God's chosen people, or try to tell Democrats that socialism, national socialism, and fascism are examples of the same left-wing ideology. Try to tell Christians that Jesus died and was buried in Nazareth, or try to tell the party of farting cows that "climate change" is a hoax. The resulting rage will ensure that polarization between talking parties increases due to not just rejection of non-dogma-conforming thought, but the violent strengthening of internal resolve to protect the dogma. It is a well- known psychological reaction of people who simply want to protect themselves from what they perceive as "the rape of their mind" (whatever sick mind they might have.)

On the one hand, once a person accepts a dogma, he begins to filter out everything that contradicts the dogma in any way (so-called confirmation bias, like Baader-Meinhof Syndrome). In a process, as more contradictory, non-conforming to dogma information is thrown, the belief gets strengthened. On the other hand, at a certain point, when truthful information, contradictory to leftists' irrational dogmatic belief, finally breaks through, a breaking point arrives, and the leftist is no longer able to twist the evidence in his fevered mind, forcing him to make a hard decision: either abandon the dogma and relieve the pain or become a laughingstock. They experience a mental revolution — a micro-revolution, if you will.

The good news is that such micro-revolutions on a personal level are widespread. Indeed, where did all the hippies go? Also recall the fallout from Obama's "if you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor."

The bad news is that such micro-revolutions can take a long time; in a worst-case scenario, a micro-revolution never materializes, and a person dies as a true believer, a loyal "useful idiot." (Enter Democrat Stacey Abrams, who still believes she won the governorship race in Georgia despite losing it.)

On the surface, a cacophony of various points of view we hear from Democrats sounds like a civil war inside the left-wing party. For example, the confrontation between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez resembles a political struggle between the "experienced, moderate socialist" Pelosi and "young, aggressive Marxist" Ocasio-Cortez. However, it is just an incoherent manifestation that Pelosi and Ocasio-Cortez currently adhere to different stages of the same leftist dogma.

In practical terms, it means that the leftists are here to stay. Forever. Just because their knowledge is acquired through dogma. As historian Lee Edwards noted, socialism is "a pseudo-religion grounded in pseudo-science and enforced by political tyranny."

Right-wingers, the creators and multipliers of wealth, are condemned to an agitated coexistence with left-wingers, the dividers of wealth, forever, just as Good is continually confronted by Evil.

As followers of the semi-religious Cult of Victim-Seekers, leftists will always find a way to recruit new followers, who get tricked by the "take away and redistribute" mantra. However, there are plenty of solid reasons to consider the socialist Obama presidency the highest peak of the centuries-old semi-religious Utopian movement. This peak is well behind us, and we all know that the only direction from the peak is down.

[1] Gramsci's Political Thought: Hegemony, Consciousness, and the Revolutionary Process (NewYork: Clarendon Press, 1981)

Gary Gindler, Ph.D. is a conservative blogger at Gary Gindler

[.429&H110]

+1 on the book: Harbinger:
tells this better than I can. Isaiah 9/11
2nd paragraph of Washington's
1st inaugural, NYC
in the shadow of ground zero:

Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station; it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States, a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success, the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own; nor those of my fellow-citizens at large, less than either. No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency. And in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their United Government, the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities, from which the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by which most Governments have been established, without some return of pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me I trust in thinking, that there are none under the influence of which, the proceedings of a new and free Government can more auspiciously commence.

Consecrated. God does not forget.
First GW prayed, and after, he prayed.
We must, too.

[1hole]

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2019/05/leftwing_ideology_a_cult_a_religion_or_science.htm l

The adherents of both left-wing and right-wing philosophy have knowledge; however, the left-wingers got their knowledge from the system of beliefs, while right-wingers got their knowledge from the trial-and-error development of human civilization. Leftism will accompany society forever because pseudo-science always runs in parallel to science. As in a social life where leftism is the ideology of mostly lumpen (lazy bums), autocrats, and elites, the pseudo-science feeds on real science as left-wingers feed on civilization built mostly by right-wingers.

From one blue suiter to another M tex, you hit the nails exactly where they are.

Given the religion of today's stateists/progressives/leftists and their general degradation of modern society, we cannot fairly avoid mention of those people's priests, i.e., Democrats, as an example of the spirit of antichrist.

The religion of the "left" is based on their own delusions of how to reach a utopian society. And they do it with a worship of the state as if their politicians were angels of the Great White Father, seated in his heaven on earth in the District of Columbia.


Right-wingers, the creators and multipliers of wealth, are condemned to an agitated coexistence with left-wingers, the dividers of wealth, forever, just as Good is continually confronted by Evil.

Socialism has failed every time it's been tried, starting with the colony at Plymouth Rock. But, the emotional (& lazy) attraction of socialism as the controlling provider and protector remains strong because it promises everything the weak seek and hopeful tyrants crave.

The religion of Socialism continues to override facts and common sense for the weak but Christians will never bow to leftist politicians so the fight is on.

God bless the USA!

[trebleplink]

When I worked in media for 30 years (technical) - and knew many of the news reporters, I must say that not only did they try hard to be unbiased, they seemed very worried about being accused of bias. Our founders correctly realized that freedom of the press was essential to prevent government from going crazy. When 8 of 10 media outlets are reporting similar stories, they're probably right.

I believe that most of today's political problems are due to extremists on both sides having disproportionate influence. I have voted for both republican and democrat candidates. We need more moderates on both sides. John McCain comes to mind.

[M-Tecs]

When I worked in media for 30 years (technical) - and knew many of the news reporters, I must say that not only did they try hard to be unbiased, they seemed very worried about being accused of bias. Our founders correctly realized that freedom of the press was essential to prevent government from going crazy. When 8 of 10 media outlets are reporting similar stories, they're probably right.

I believe that most of today's political problems are due to extremists on both sides having disproportionate influence. I have voted for both republican and democrat candidates. We need more moderates on both sides. John McCain comes to mind.


I would like to say a lot has change in 30 years but it has not.

Throughout world history journalism has not had a great track record.
https://www.universalclass.com/articles/writing/journalism-a-brief-history.htm

Do a little research on Yellow Journalism under Randolph Hearst.
https://williamrandolphhearstbio.weebly.com/yellow-journalism.html

Same for Walter Cronkite
https://www.aim.org/aim-column/the-terrible-truth-about-walter-cronkite/

Same for Dan Rather
https://www.fieldandstream.com/pages/never-forgive-never-forget-dan-rather-and-%E2%80%9C-guns-autumn%E2%80%9D/
https://www.theamericanmirror.com/blog/2016/12/03/network-disgraced-forged-document-scandal-warns-fake-news/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-ousts-4-for-bush-guard-story-10-01-2005/

Same for Brian Williams
https://www.gulflive.com/news/2015/06/brian_williams_fired_as_nbc_ni.html#:~:text=Brian% 20Williams%20fired%20as%20%27NBC%20Nightly%20News% 27%20anchor%2C,suspended%20in%20February%2C%20will %20take%20the%20permanent%20spot.

Not one of of NBC finest moments
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-10-mn-1335-story.html

Same for Reporter Shows an AR-15 Shooting a Watermelon; One BIG Problem
https://thefederalistpapers.org/second-amendment-2/reporter-ar-15-shooting-watermelon

Same for today MSM
https://dbdailyupdate.com/index.php/2020/09/13/the-corrupt-national-news-media-a-collection-of-liars-who-endanger-the-american-republic/

Same for the MSM pushing the Russian hoax Bull for years

I could literally go on with thousands of examples but it this isn't enough thousands more won't help.

As to Song Bird a coworker was one of his crew chiefs on the USS Forrestal. Song bird was not a nice person as a young man and he did not improve with age.

[BJK]

I am absolutely convinced that there is a spiritual aspect to what is going on today. Evil abounds and is clearly seen on the left.

[trebleplink]

Often the naysayers naysay, but when asked if they have a better solution, silence prevails. Would it be better if the government, or the church controlled all the media? Iran is like that...




I would like to say a lot has change in 30 years but it has not.

Throughout world history journalism has not had a great track record.
https://www.universalclass.com/articles/writing/journalism-a-brief-history.htm

Do a little research on Yellow Journalism under Randolph Hearst.
https://williamrandolphhearstbio.weebly.com/yellow-journalism.html

Same for Walter Cronkite
https://www.aim.org/aim-column/the-terrible-truth-about-walter-cronkite/

Same for Dan Rather
https://www.fieldandstream.com/pages/never-forgive-never-forget-dan-rather-and-%E2%80%9C-guns-autumn%E2%80%9D/
https://www.theamericanmirror.com/blog/2016/12/03/network-disgraced-forged-document-scandal-warns-fake-news/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cbs-ousts-4-for-bush-guard-story-10-01-2005/

Same for Brian Williams
https://www.gulflive.com/news/2015/06/brian_williams_fired_as_nbc_ni.html#:~:text=Brian% 20Williams%20fired%20as%20%27NBC%20Nightly%20News% 27%20anchor%2C,suspended%20in%20February%2C%20will %20take%20the%20permanent%20spot.

Not one of of NBC finest moments
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-02-10-mn-1335-story.html

Same for Reporter Shows an AR-15 Shooting a Watermelon; One BIG Problem
https://thefederalistpapers.org/second-amendment-2/reporter-ar-15-shooting-watermelon

Same for today MSM
https://dbdailyupdate.com/index.php/2020/09/13/the-corrupt-national-news-media-a-collection-of-liars-who-endanger-the-american-republic/

Same for the MSM pushing the Russian hoax Bull for years

I could literally go on with thousands of examples but it this isn't enough thousands more won't help.

As to Song Bird a coworker was one of his crew chiefs on the USS Forrestal. Song bird was not a nice person as a young man and he did not improve with age.

[M-Tecs]

Often the naysayers naysay, but when asked if they have a better solution, silence prevails. Would it be better if the government, or the church controlled all the media? Iran is like that...

Wow that's out of left field. As to the solution that easy. Journalists Use Words Like 'Claimed' and 'Alleged' for a reason. It gives them additional protection from libel laws. Seems like a good idea but the reality is it's just a license to lie via "unnamed source"

https://blogs.findlaw.com/law_and_life/2020/08/why-do-journalists-use-words-like-claimed-and-alleged.html#:~:text=Journalists%20in%20the%20Unit ed%20States%20have%20the%20additional,as%20New%20Y ork%20Times%20Co.%20v.%20Sullivan%20%281964%29.

[trebleplink]

I think it is a fair question. We are a nation of the free press. Is there a better way?

[M-Tecs]

I think it is a fair question. We are a nation of the free press. Is there a better way?

And that would be the problem. We are a nation of the free press without press accountability. I can say whatever I want yet I am held accountable if it's libel yet the press is not held to the same standards. If I accuse a business competitor of heinous crimes based on false information I will be held account in some form yet if I am a "journalist" I can claim almost anything with little on no consequences. That is the problem.

[trebleplink]

It sounds like you're referring to protections afforded those who criticize public figures. Everybody complains about politicians. How would it be if anybody who publicly criticizes a politician could easily be sued into oblivion?

[M-Tecs]

OK I will make it really simple. So called journalists knowingly used "unnamed sources" to flat out libel yet they can't be held account for the libel. Eliminate using "unnamed sources" source and the problem goes away. If a journalist accurately reports a named source the journalist has no libel issues. If untrue the "named source" should be held accountable for libel. You also need to look up the difference between criticism and libel/Slander.

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/differences-between-defamation-slander-and-libel

[wv109323]

I think it is a lack of unspiritual. We are all born sinners and must make decisions to be spiritual. We were all born as bank robbers, liars, thiefs and rebels. We must oppose our sinful nature and discipline ourselves to be obedient to Christian beliefs.
Prayer was taken out of schools in 1963 so our youth are children of many who have no idea of God. There is an old saying "If you don't know where you are going any road will take you there."
So a person without moral direction, any behavior can be self justfied.
Hopefully this leads us to a spiritual revival or we will be doomed.

[Rizzo]

....... We are all born sinners and must make decisions to be spiritual. We were all born as bank robbers, liars, thiefs and rebels. We must oppose our sinful nature and discipline ourselves to be obedient to Christian beliefs.


In my view, there is two ways to look at what you wrote there.

1. How is it that we are born sinners?
A new born baby is as innocent as they come. It is later on that greed, hate, etc. develops in the child.
It seems that ultimately one succumbs to those negative things and does sin, but being born a robber, thief, etc., doesn't makes sense.

2. In regard to reincarnation, a robber, thief, murderer who reincarnates could be said to have been born a robber, thief, or murderer, but those traits may not continue in the next life so it would be a weak statement even in that scenario.

Born as a sinner?.....more like born to ultimately commit sin.

[fixit]

simple observation of child development...children do no need to be taught to be selfish, they have to learn the benefits of kindness. children do not automatically understand that stealing is wrong, they have to be taught that it's wrong, often with consequences applied. we are born with an inward focus, some would say that's evolution of survival responses, but that would be reducing us to mere animals, which some desire to do, since if we are animals, then morality is nothing more than a societal construct, and can be bent and molded to the whims of the moments. the reality is we, in our natural selves, are selfish, me centered 'i will so what i want to do' creatures that are only restrained by the consequences of 'being caught' in most circumstances. to think otherwise, i believe, is to ignor the inward most nature of man.

[fixit]

Rizzo... i don't disagree with your last line, and find the final sentiment to be mere semantics

[la5676]

In my view, there is two ways to look at what you wrote there.

1. How is it that we are born sinners?
A new born baby is as innocent as they come. It is later on that greed, hate, etc. develops in the child.
It seems that ultimately one succumbs to those negative things and does sin, but being born a robber, thief, etc., doesn't makes sense.

2. In regard to reincarnation, a robber, thief, murderer who reincarnates could be said to have been born a robber, thief, or murderer, but those traits may not continue in the next life so it would be a weak statement even in that scenario.

Born as a sinner?.....more like born to ultimately commit sin.
Apparently you don't subscribe to the theory of "original sin" in the writings of St. Augustine.

[a danl]

I'm no Bible scholar in any shape or form, but the massive political divide in our country seems to be the result of some sort of supernatural "hardening of hearts".

Every interaction I've had with people on the left has shown them to be completely incapable of rational thought or common sense. No matter what facts, science, or evidence you thoughtfully confront them with, they ignore it. My own daughter, who is the niece of a police detective and the granddaughter of a Chief of Police, both honorable and righteous men, has stated on social media that ALL cops are bad.

How can a young woman, who grew up in a law enforcement family, with conservative Christian parents, suddenly reject her upbringing and own personal experiences and instead embrace the insidious lies of the left?

I am truly at a loss to explain how so many people appear to be completely brainwashed in such a short amount of time.

I truly believe we are in a struggle against evil and the massive polarization in this country is supernatural in origin.

it's satan running around like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. and he knows his time is getting short before the Lord comes.

[1hole]

it's satan running around .... and he knows his time is getting short before the Lord comes.

I like that. :)

[dtknowles]

simple observation of child development...children do no need to be taught to be selfish, they have to learn the benefits of kindness. children do not automatically understand that stealing is wrong, they have to be taught that it's wrong, often with consequences applied. we are born with an inward focus, some would say that's evolution of survival responses, but that would be reducing us to mere animals, which some desire to do, since if we are animals, then morality is nothing more than a societal construct, and can be bent and molded to the whims of the moments. the reality is we, in our natural selves, are selfish, me centered 'i will so what i want to do' creatures that are only restrained by the consequences of 'being caught' in most circumstances. to think otherwise, i believe, is to ignor the inward most nature of man.

You don't have to be taught to feel good when you do good or feel bad when you do bad. Most bad behaviors are learned.

Tim

[Rizzo]

Apparently you don't subscribe to the theory of "original sin" in the writings of St. Augustine.

Well, it was part of my Catholic upbringing and being baptized it (original sin) supposedly got washed away. But now, later in life, it does not make sense that I, or you.....everybody for that matter is branded a "sinner" at birth because Adam and Eve screwed up way back then.

So, no, I do not subscribe to that "theory".

[Gobeyond]

Maybe it’s been said but pres trumps support of Israel could save us for four more years. The one who blesses Israel shall be blest as a country as well.

[1hole]

Maybe it’s been said but pres trumps support of Israel could save us for four more years. The one who blesses Israel shall be blest as a country as well.

Amen.

[ioon44]

Genesis Ch 12 v 3

[Don Purcell]

When I worked in media for 30 years (technical) - and knew many of the news reporters, I must say that not only did they try hard to be unbiased, they seemed very worried about being accused of bias. Our founders correctly realized that freedom of the press was essential to prevent government from going crazy. When 8 of 10 media outlets are reporting similar stories, they're probably right.

I believe that most of today's political problems are due to extremists on both sides having disproportionate influence. I have voted for both republican and democrat candidates. We need more moderates on both sides. John McCain comes to mind.

But when you have 8-10 media outlets refusing to report on something you have a coverup.

[Chemoman]

if you are on the left the answer is yes to your question. if you are on the right the answer is yes to your question. how can you have peace and harmony when both sides answer yes to your question. we are in unknown waters and unknown times.

[popper]

Definitely. There are 2 economy/gov. systems. Dictator/representative. From Egypt/Israelite/middle east/China/Japan/Khan/Ottoman/France/Rome/Germanic/G.B. all were dictators. Good representative gov. eventually spends itself into oblivion, just like the dictatorships as they 'become' dictatorships. Gov usurps all wealth, productivity goes to pot and the 'empire' fails. God has the answer to too much $/power/consuming. Go broke! How much famine/wars/poverty are we ready for (still way below the 'bottom')? Are we in the 'last'/anti-Christ times? Christ will come back when God says, no earlier. Study it all you want, won't change a thing. Real problem is too few believe God. He's THE BOSS, like it or not. Christ is coming back when told to come back. Are we closer time wise? Sure. Economy wise? Don't get them confused.

[Scrounge]

Well said.

I have made similar observations and don't have any answer other than: You may be right.

I have also questioned if this could could be the first signs of the Tribulation?

Something to contemplate on my drive to Lewiston this morning.

It could be the first signs of Tribulation. Or not. When I was ten, I got a new stepfather who was convinced that Armageddon was very nearly upon us. I'm 65 now. As far as I can tell, things are worse now than they were then, and I (and he) thought they couldn't get much worse. All I can say right now is that what I have learned since then is that that things can get worse. How much worse I am not particularly interested in finding out, but I may not have any choice in that. Things could get better, they could stay the same, or they can get worse. I guess we just have to wait and find out. Unfortunately for my peace of mind, I know that there is evil in the world, as well as good.

[Alabama358]

Apparently you don't subscribe to the theory of "original sin" in the writings of St. Augustine.

"Writings of St Augustine" Is that where babies need to have water sprinkled on their head by a priest or they are doomed to eternal damnation?

So, before St. Augustine's epiphany, all infants and children that died are relegated to Hell's fire? Nope...I am not onboard with that doctrine at all.
I lean more towards the Lord Jesus's doctrine...

Luke 18:16-17 KJV

16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

It appears to me that the Lord looks favorably on little children

[Brass&Lead]

Do you believe our current political polarization is spiritual?

By and large yes - it was foretold. Religion must be broken.

[1hole]

It could be the first signs of Tribulation. Or not. When I was ten, I got a new stepfather who was convinced that Armageddon was very nearly upon us. I'm 65 now. As far as I can tell, things are worse now than they were then, ...

Life will continue to get worse - MUCH worse.

The battle of Armageddon occurs during the last half of the 7 years of Tribulation. The trigger for the beginning of the Tribulation years is when Israel signs a peace treaty with the Antichrist's united world government; you know, a one-world government like what our current united socialist Democrats seek, but there will be no peace for Israel or anyone else. At that time, no one will have to ask, "Are we in the Tribulation?"; everyone, believer or not, will KNOW when that level of world agony begins.

The demonic Antichrist spirit is accelerating all around us and what we see today clearly fits into God's normal foreshadowing of His still unfurling prophetic events.


Important Side note:

Augustine was a very smart guy. It wasn't him who decided that infants who die without a sanctioned Roman Catholic Church "baptism" would go to hell, it was one of the RCC's much later "infallible" popes.

[lightload]

What we see is cultural evolution that occurs over time. An example is how society changed from 1880 to 1950. Then look at changes between 1950 to 2020. Influence of internet and media plus input from some religious groups and education have speeded up the process. I am a retired teacher and corrections man. Do you wish to know what your kids think and what they are doing? Then look at their friends. Believe me when I say parents are the last to know.

[clearwater]

"“Judge[a] not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what [b]judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

Careful everyone (myself included).

[salpal48]

What????????

[Monobill]

Hicks is spot on, "far left young people from the 60's. who did not go into business jobs, ended up in education and became tenured professors. We have seen this with our grandchildren. They start out conservative, go off to college and take required classes in things like political science and swing way left-- then as they age and have to start paying the bills some, but not all, go conservative again."

I am proud to say I got my two boys through college and they have remained true to our conservative values. Both have ended up with good jobs and are happy in pursuit of the American dream.

[Blackwater]

The polarization of America is indeed the fruit of a neglectful church. We've been extremely lax in learning and teaching each other, and especially in the "WHYs" of why the Lord's direction and instruction and advice are spot-on, and really, the only way to proceed forth and build something good and strong and worth the effort. We LIKE talking about the sins of others, but when it comes to discussing our OWN shortcomings and incompleteness ...... well, we just don't seem very interested in that. That old comment "At least I'm not like HIM!" seems to be all we care to know about our own faults. What a sham and disgrace we are!!!

This isn't some parlor game or video game we're playing! It's real life, and we're playing for forever! And if we DON'T find our faults and shore them up significantly, .... well, I'm afraid we're going to earn what lies ahead. We've been warned many times, but have tuned our heads toward other things that have "interested" and "satisfied" us more.

We will NOT get another chance at this. This is our one and only chance to grab our own destiny or fall into the pit. The choice we make is forever.

[1hole]

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against (Satanic) principalities, powers, against the rulers of darkness, against spiritual wickedness in high places ...." (Eph 6:12)

Anyone thinking there is no spiritual battle going on in our capitals simply because we can't see it in this physical world isn't paying attention.

I believe mankind is limited in the potential for doing either good or evil. To be better than we can be requires the aid of the Holy Spirit within us; to be even more evil than we can be requires a mass of indwelling Satanic spirits.

A single example of massive evil: Some 80 million babies have been legally murdered by "doctors" in this country, often with public money and always with unified Democrat help; that's Satanic.

With that example (and many others equally evil) it's obvious to me that we have many demonic controlled politicians. Not all of them are Democrats of course, after all, Satan is an equal opportunity corrupter and RINOS are fully as evil as the others, but it appears to me that all modern Democrats are controlled by Satan to some major degree. IMHO of course.

[ioon44]

1hole, good post I agree with it.

[Edward]

No I believe it is caused by politicians /teachers , 2 maybe 3 generations indoctrinated (not educated) has got us here . I don"t believe for a minute religion got us to this place , no more than it got hitler to power ! It got here because of sheep needing direction and feeling others /me to need direction and my money to give to the needy cause it makes them feel good ! When you vote to open borders/defund police and make social workers the replacement the end is coming ,just ask any survivor of socialism . And the lack of primers is a indicater/Ed

[1hole]

.... I don"t believe for a minute religion got us to this place , no more than it got hitler to power ! It got here because of sheep needing direction and feeling others /me to need direction and my money to give to the needy cause it makes them feel good ! When you vote to open borders/defund police and make social workers the replacement the end is coming ,just ask any survivor of socialism . And the lack of primers is a indicater/Ed

I fully agree. It wasn't "religion", as such, and certainly not Christianity, that got us here, it was Satan's effective lures to pull gullible men into his spiritual orb that got us here.

[fixit]

I would have to say that it's not what the church did, it's what it hasn't done. How many of us (and this question is directed at me as much as anyone else) have maintained a walk and outreach that has kept the church in america alive. Like most conservatives, I get wrapped up in taking care of business and don't give enough thought to taking care of God's business. It is appalling to me to hear the number of young and middle aged adult who have never heard the most basic of Bible story or teaching.... these are our children, our children's children, and their friends. If they've not been taught, it's because we aren't teaching.

[GP tastes funny]

I think M-Tecs is the most complete and through explanation I've ever read or heard. First rate material from the start to the last. Thanks for the food for thought.

[.429&H110]

I do not believe we are as polarized as Nightly News is preaching.
Millions of people are carrying concealed these days
legally or not
and we don't seem to be shooting each other very often.
The Nightly News sells advertising when we watch a tragedy.
"If it bleeds, it leads".
I believe Americans are much more moral than expected.
Waiting for revival.
Here's your choice.
Come to church tomorrow night at six.
Or watch their commercials.
What has the NFL done for you lately?

[smoke1]

I'm no Bible scholar in any shape or form, but the massive political divide in our country seems to be the result of some sort of supernatural "hardening of hearts".

Every interaction I've had with people on the left has shown them to be completely incapable of rational thought or common sense. No matter what facts, science, or evidence you thoughtfully confront them with, they ignore it. My own daughter, who is the niece of a police detective and the granddaughter of a Chief of Police, both honorable and righteous men, has stated on social media that ALL cops are bad.

How can a young woman, who grew up in a law enforcement family, with conservative Christian parents, suddenly reject her upbringing and own personal experiences and instead embrace the insidious lies of the left?

I am truly at a loss to explain how so many people appear to be completely brainwashed in such a short amount of time.

I truly believe we are in a struggle against evil and the massive polarization in this country is supernatural in origin.

yes. Satan is most assuredly whispering in the ears of the "liberals".

[ioon44]

I think shouting in the ears of the "liberals" may be closer to what is happing.

[.429&H110]

I believe we have a ballot stuffing minority achieving their agenda.
Satan has only one lie, and it works his plan
"Did God really say...?"

What is a Liberal? You throw the word as perjorative,
they do not think themselves evil, but progressive.
How to tell them progressive is evil?
Trump did us a disservice by tweeting garbage.
Twitter was his downfall: pride goes before a fall.

I do not see any hope for America except revival.

[ioon44]

More than revival, a Great Awakening and national Repentance.